Dusky Lodge

Went here for the better reviews, but sadly disappointed…It doesn’t feel that clean and the room has a musty smell.The beds are shaky and the blinds are no blinds at all, light just comes through.The kitchen doesn’t have anything you can use for cooking, like oil or salt. You do have some free coffee and tea, but that’s it. Quite difficult to cook when you’re staying only 1-2 days.All the way on the other side of the bedroom there’s only one socket, which is not convenient at all.In the shower there’s no place to put your shampoo’s and stuff, so everything gets wet.The reception closes at 5 pm instead of 7 pm already (and charges you for arriving after that time!).Also, the pool/spa were closed…was looking forward to that. They couldn’t do anything about it, it was sadly under maintenance.The living rooms are quite cozy with comfortable couches and a couple couches in the hallways as well. And you get some discounts on local food places.The atmosphere is nice as well.But still, my expectations were higher because of the great reviews…

Really enjoyed staying here even though it was only for one night, me and my friends booked a family room and it was spacious and comfortable. The kitchen area was great and we enjoyed sitting in front of the fire for the evening. I particularly loved the murals and native bird art. Super friendly and helpful staff. Nice and close to town, we just walked down for dinner. It was a little cold in the bedroom but apart from that everything was great. Thanks!

The rooms and bathrooms were all very clean and spacious. The kitchen had everything you needed to cook a good meal and was very large. The location is just outside of town, but an easy walk there.

Very rude front desk staff by far the worst greeting I have received from any hostel during my 3 months in NZ , room still had the previous guests left behind belongings in it hand towel was damp and had not been replaced. Tired and grubby looking bed sheets. Would not recommend.

Fantastic place! Dusky Lodge made our New Years after Kaikoura Holiday Homes (avoid at all costs!) double booked us and left us stranded.The room was tidy, great facilities with the kitchen and the pool was lovely. Fantastic value and lovely staff! Highly recommend to all!!!Was also great that it was dog friendly.

Finally, a great hostel stay. I had some pretty awful stays on the north island with cleanliness and prices and THEN was blessed with this lovely hostel.Beautiful location, fair prices, quality aneminities, GREAT wifi, beautiful kitchen and shared spacesBeds were comfy, pillows were comfy, duvets were warm and cozy. THANK YOU for creating a good experience for me to visit your beautiful country in.

I booked for three nights by Email. Got an answer back stating that they have available dorms but I couldn't stay in the same one for all nights. Then I told them that I'd like to book. When I arrived, my nights weren't booked because someone forgot to put me into the system. They managed to book the first night for me. But I needed to book another lodge for the next two nights.The only thing I ever got was an apology from the receptionist and nothing else.Then they had a big group staying but weren't able to keep the hygiene up. The kitchen was a mess.The dorm for four only had two sockets. But other than that the room was clean.The next thing that happened was that my credit car got charged although I did already pay with Eftpos on my arrival.The receptionist on the phone told me that I had stayed for two nights which wasn't true.If you want to spare yourself all the stress, book somewhere else!

The only hostel that let us use their shower without booking a room - and for only $5 :) Great if you're travelling in your van! Really hot, high-pressure shower

I really liked the Dusky Lodge. We didn't interact with the front desk much but the kitchen was well-equipped, rooms were very spacious, and the beds were comfortable. I'd definitely stay here again.

Rooms and kitchen not as clean as in the past but good location, good services, pool and spa finally up and running.